For some time now, maternal infections during pregnancy have been suspected of increasing the risk of leukaemia in children. So far, however, there has been little data on the subject, and most of them came from small studies. Danish researchers have now investigated the question and evaluated the health data of more than 2.2 million children born in Denmark.
The study determined that children's risk of leukaemia increases significantly after maternal infection during pregnancy.
Overall, certain infections during pregnancy are associated with a 35% increased risk of blood cancer. There was no association with other forms of cancer. The study authors also emphasise that there was no association between leukaemia and respiratory or gastrointestinal infections.
What was clear, however, was that an infection in the mother's genitourinary tract during pregnancy significantly increases the child's risk of blood cancer. Namely by 142% (genital infections) and 65% (urinary tract infections).
The clear association of urogenital infections in pregnant women and childhood leukaemia in the delivered children could offer new approaches for the prevention of blood cancer, according to the study authors. Further studies are needed in this regard to confirm the correlation.
In addition, the data again highlighted the importance of detecting and treating maternal infections in all trimesters of pregnancy.
The Danish study suggests that there is indeed an association between maternal infection during pregnancy and the risk of childhood leukaemia. This is particularly true for urogenital infections. Further studies could provide new starting points for possible preventive measures.